There are many different game parks around this area but not all of them are created the same. If you were to talk to local they will all tell you which ones are your favorite but many will be able to come to a consensus on what truly is the best one. The best game park is to wonder has all the things that you enjoy. What people enjoy can change from person to person but when you’re looking for Game Parks Around Hoedspruit you probably are looking for something very specific and the general consensus of what people have to say probably does not matter to you too much.

How does a person like you find what you are truly looking for? I say you find it through research, using every Internet resource that you can find to get an idea of what each game park has to offer. Figuring out what you truly want and what you will truly enjoy. Check out various YouTube videos to get a better idea of the experience that is there to offer, looking at as many pictures, reading reviews and reading the opinions of everyday people and not just professional bloggers. Nothing beats the review of a real person.

You might find it there are more than one that you truly like and you might have time to visit them both. The choice might depend on who you plan on going with. If you are a family you probably look at things that families and children can do together. If you’re single or in a relationship you’re probably looking for something that adults can enjoy. Maybe you’re going out with a group of friends and you look for something that is very much activity-based and I can give you true experience. Ultimately it is all about having a bespoke experience based on the things that you truly enjoy and not things that people tell you you should like. That really is the only approach that will truly satisfy anyone. It doesn’t matter when it comes to finding the best game park or finding the best parachutes, it is all about you.

So take the approach of not depending too much on what others think is the best will also sing my for various reviews. Coming to terms of what you truly looking for is probably the best way to go. If you been to many different game parks before and you probably have an idea of what you want. So use your past knowledge because you obviously are not coming into this without any experience at all. You already know what you like and what you’re looking for. So ultimately you just have to go out and find it.

Finding the best experience is going to be better than just reading an article and listening to what someone else tells you. So take that approach and enjoyed finding the best experience for you. The experience that you create is going to be the best one all because only you truly know what you’re looking for. So use all the resources that are available to you that including the Internet, people you know, doing what you’re truly looking for, knowing what type of experience you’re truly after, taking into account who you’re going to spend time with and the type of things that you’re looking to do.

When you’re able to do all of the above, you’ll definitely find the best place to go. It will be your decision, your choice based on the things that you’re truly looking for.

Life is for living. It’s a precious gift that needs to be grabbed with both hand and enjoyed to the absolute maximum. When you have an outlook on life like this, you want to make the most of any opportunity at your disposal to make life-changing memories.

That’s why today we’re going to tell you about a life venture that is all about fun, excitement, adventure and a whole lot of amazing memories. What are we walking about? Becoming an African Safari Guide!

An incredible idea, right? However you may be wondering where on earth you get started in your new quest. Actually, becoming an African Safari Guide doesn’t need to be too difficult a feat, but there are a few things you need to do. Ready to get started? Great, here we go!

You Need The Right Passion

The role of African Safari Guide is not for everyone. At the end of the day we are all unique individuals, each with our own strengths, weaknesses and passions. To both be suitable and enjoy the role of being an African Safari Guide, you should be able to tick pretty much all of the following:

– Have a love of the outdoors and plenty of experience taking part in outdoor pursuits.

– Be hungry for adventure, feeling there is nothing better in life than new experiences.

– Be well organised with the ability to manage time well.

– Have a love of animals and ideally experience dealing with animals.

– Have a good eye for detail.

– Have exceptional people skills, including a love for of talking and a confidence when in the company of other people.

Do the above points seem to describe you well? If they do, you may be the perfect person to become an African Safari Guide. In addition, if you are a little bit of a drama enthusiast it will certainly go in your favour. We all know the joys of a tour guide who is larger than life, and the bore of a tour guide who is dull and lifeless.

Being a positive person will also be an excellent advantage for this position. Whilst the role of an African Safari Guide is fun, it also requires determination, commitment and a love of life.

So Why Is There A Demand For African Safari Guides?

It seems that the demand for great African Safari Guides is continually growing and with good reason. African nations are seeing the benefit of developing an infrastructure which will support tourism within the area. In the past we may have only thought that places such as South African and Kenya offered safari trips, now however much more destinations are seeing their potential and jumping on board.

What About The Specific Training Needed To Become An African Safari Guide?

Ultimately, just because you have a few pets, view yourself as a positive person and have a passion for life, it doesn’t mean you can automatically become the next best African Safari Guide in existence! Becoming a skilled guide requires a specific set of skills which need to be learned. So how can you acquire such skills?

The best place to develop your training is actually in the field. That means being in Africa and learning as you go along. Of course you don’t need to go it alone. Since the demand for African Safari Guides is high, there are many companies who are willing to assist potential guides in becoming trained and experienced. One of the best safari guide qualifications in Southern Africa is is the FGASA qualification from Level 1 – 3. Most companies will help you qualify for this qualification and certification.

Once you find such a reputable company you can look forward to a truly unique experience. Skills which you will learn may include learning to lead a game drive, both on foot and with a vehicle, learning to operate a 4×4 vehicle and developing the skills needed to entertain a group of people who have big expectations.

Of course we have not had the opportunity to discuss everything that becoming an African Safari Guide involves, but we hope we have at least helped you to understand whether it could be the next life venture for you. After all, life is for living, so don’t let is pass you by!

Are you looking for a great vacation adventure? Kruger National Park in South Africa could be a perfect choice. One of the biggest game reserves in Africa, Kruger encompasses more than 19,000 square kilometers and is located in both Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. The park is 360 kilometers long and 65 kilometers wide. The park contains land first protected by the government in 1989. The park was designated as the first national park in South Africa in 1926. The park is also one of the world’s largest national parks and is a very popular tourist destination attracting visitors from all over the world.

There are many activities for visitors to enjoy, including walking the bush, going on a photography safari and viewing the wildlife. There are also several options for lodging and accommodations. The beset known gateway for the park is through Nelspruit. Visitors often stay for just a day, while others are a bit more adventurous and decide to stay at one of the great camps located within Kruger National park. While all of the camps offer the basic amenities, there are five which are particularly nice.

Skukuza

The closest park entrance to Nelspruit is Malelane gate. Located close to this entranc is Skukuza, the largest camp in the park. This camp offers several types of accommodations. Visitors can choose a humble tent or a lovely bungalow located by the river. The camp also has restaurants, a golf course, and an Internet cafe. Staying at Skukuza helps visitors enjoy a bit of civilization in the middle of the African wilderness.

Punda Maria

This camp is located in the northernmost part of Kruger Park. Visitors are treated to an extensive variety of flora. In fact, there are so many unique plants that this part of the park is known as Kruger Park’s botanical garden. This park is also known for its many birds and is visited annually by many birdwatchers.

Satara

This is another of the primary camps and is also along the main road. This camp is located on some of the most fertile grazing lands in the park. This attracts a lot of wildlife and visitors often see leopards, lions, cheetahs and many antelope. This camp is still pretty civilized and even includes a small grocery store.

Olifants

This camp is located on the eastern side of the park and off the main road. The camp is a bit more luxurious than the other bush camps and is located on the side of a hill. Visitors can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Olifants River and the bushveld.

Letaba

This rest camp is located in the north part of the park and can be reached via either the main road or the gravel road. This camp features caravans and tents for visitors, along with a few guest houses. The camp sits where the Letaba River bends and is a prime spot for elephant and bird watching. There are nice gardens in the camp where tame bushback wander among the plants.

These are my top five favorite camps in Kruger National Park. They offer visitors many different options for activities and all offer good accommodations. Each camp has special characteristics, including unique flora, many visits from wildlife, and gorgeous scenery.

There are several other camps in the park. Most of these are smaller and more like bush camps. Visitors experience many different things in these camps and the conditions are certainly less luxurious than in my top five camps. Tamboti, Mopani, Balule, Shingwedzi, and Bataleur are all good choices for lodging and allow visitors to see other parts of the park.

When you take a trip to Sabi Sands you will be looking to take safaris and explore the wild nature of South Africa. While staying at Sabi Sands you will want to know what you can expect.

Game Drives And Walks

When you stay at a private game reserve such as Sabi Sands there are certain activities that will be included in the rates. Game drives and walks are available at Sabi Sands and will be accompanied by a ranger or guide. The ranger will be joined by a tracker on game drives and will sit in the front of the car and scan the environment for game.

It is important to note that you might only see a small number of game because of the size of the reserve. If this is the case then the rangers will bring attention to some of the smaller things in the area such as interesting plants and insects.

When taking a game walk it will be slightly different as it is sometimes possible to approach the wildlife. It is recommended that you participate in a game walk because it is a very different experience to viewing the wildlife from your car. The minimum age for a game drive is 8 years old and for a game walk it 14.

At Sabi Sands, game drives take place twice a day with the first starting at sunrise until 10 am and half past 3 to sunset. If you are not staying at Sabi Sands the gates are open for regular hours which are generally sunrise to sunset. These times are strictly adhered to for safety reasons.

Meals And Drinks

Sabi Sands lodges offer all meals and drinks as part of the price. There are some lodges where breakfast and lunch are combined to brunch to accommodate activities which take place in the morning. Dinners are generally served at different locations around and in the main lodge building.

If you are a vegetarian or have other dietary requirements you will need to inform the lodge when you book the accommodation. It is also important that you contact the lodge if you are going to be late for meals so that arrangements can be made.

The Packing List

When going on vacation to Sabi Sands you might worry about what you should be wearing and many people believe that they need to have special safari clothing. You will not need special clothing, but it is recommended that you take clothes that have calm colors such as green and brown so that you do not scare away the animals. You should also consider taking your own pair of binoculars.

If you are going to Sabi Sands during the South African winter it is recommended that you have a warm jacket, hat and scarf because the morning and evening temperatures can get very cold. Long clothing will also help you protect your arms and legs from mosquitoes and plants when taking a game walk.

Taking Some Pictures

If you want to take pictures of the animals you come across this is welcomed at Sabi Sands as South Africa is a paradise for nature photographers. You do not have to take an expensive camera or heavy equipment with you as many SLR cameras work very well. When on safari it is important that you protect your camera because you will be driving on untarred roads and this will cause a lot of dust. Having your camera in a dust-free bag is recommended.

Taking a trip to Sabi Sands is ideal if you want to see the African wildlife with trained guides and trackers. It is possible to take game drives and walks at different times of the day.

Londolozi consists of 5 micro camps named Tree Camp, Varty Camp, Pioneer Camp, Founders Camp & The Granite Suites. Londolozi is the height of luxury and you can expect the best service in the world.

The amazing service and luxury is not the main attraction however. The thing that brings people from all over the world to Londolozi is the amazing game viewing and particularly the Leopards of Londolozi.

Londolozi is renowned for its calm Leopards that provide amazing viewings to the many travelers who journey here to see Africa’s wonderful animals.

Kirkmans Camp

Kirkmans Camp is run by &beyond which has a number of luxury camps in Africa and India.

Kirkmans style is based on the old hunting camp from which it originates. The rooms are unobtrusive and tin roofed, but inside they are the furnished for your comfort in classic &beyond luxury.

Kirkmans camp is none for its friendly staff and amazing food, not to mention the fantastic game viewing along the sand river.

Mala Mala

Mala Mala is said to have the best land within the Sabi Sands game reserve, but they have lately fallen behind in other areas of their service. With a recent ownership change Mala Mala is looking to live up to its former glory as it catches up to some of its more well known rivals.

Safaris are not holidays for those who are looking for a relaxed and peaceful time. These are more like adventure sports and need the right temperament and attitude and a willingness to brave difficult conditions. These outings can become that much better if you have the services of the right safari guide. A safari is essentially a long journey that is undertaken by people who want to remain outdoors in conditions that are far from ideal, and a good safari guide can go a long way in making such journeys memorable.

An image that comes to the mind of most people when they think a safari guide is a person who has a rugged outdoor look, is well tanned, wears a khaki shirt and hat, and is always armed. Most guides who are into this business of conducting safaris are people who will have the first-hand experience of jungles and ground conditions in Africa. They will have worked under other more experienced hunters and guides before branching out on their own.

Safari guides must be persons who are well acquainted with the culture and traditions of the area they work in, whether it is in Africa or elsewhere. They should be familiar with the remotest of villages and other areas, even those that are rarely visited by tourists. They must have detailed knowledge of the wildlife and fauna that they are required to track, know of their usual spots and habits that keep them moving from one place to another. They must have the instincts that allow them to track down the game. This requires very good eyesight, a good sense of smell, cunning, the ability to track signs and reach vantage points quietly so that the animals are not frightened or spooked.

A safari guide has to deal with people and must be able to lead a team of support staff that ensures the comfort and safety of his customers. The guide also needs to be a leader that others will follow and obey. He requires exceptional organizational skills to see that his customers are well looked after and have all the comforts that have been promised at the beginning of the safari.

Safaris can be of many types and can vary from the rugged to the luxurious. The safari guide is an essential part of such outings and can make the difference between success and failure. Safaris are often conducted miles away from civilization and the safari guide must have the ability to overcome all obstacles that can arise in the wild. This can result from breakdowns of vehicles, injuries and accidents, shortage of food and water and many other things that are a part of the outdoors. The guide needs to be physically fit and must at times be able to function as rescuers for people lost or injured in the wilds.

The safari guide needs to be aware of all rules and regulations that govern a particular forest or desert and the needs specific to its flora and fauna. They require being very patient and understanding of animals and their habits so that they can track them down for their customers for hunting or photography. The guide must be aware of local weather conditions and likely changes in them so that he can be fully prepared to deal with any emergencies that can arise as a result.

Guides must be aware of animal migration habits and patterns so that they are able to track them suitably. Safaris are undertaken only during specific seasons and are prohibited all round the year. This is essentially to leave the animals to their natural habitats so that they increase and prosper.

It is with great sadness that we mourn the death of yet another African ranger, Chief Park Ranger, Usman A. Yahaya. On 6 February 2018 Yahaya was on anti-poaching patrol in Gashaka Gumti National Park, Serti, Taraba state, Nigeria, when he was killed by suspected bandits. Yahaya was described by his colleagues as a bush warrior and conservation hero. We salute you. ...

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LOSS A STAFF :
Usman A. Yahaya - Chief Park Ranger 1976-2018. The sad event took place on the 6th day of February 2018 while on Anti poaching patrol in Gashaka Gumti National Park, Serti, Taraba state, Nigeria.
CPR Yahaya a bush worrior and a conservation hero died on active service and on the thin green line..

We salute Ranger Ngwenya who paid the ultimate sacrifice whilst apprehending elephant poachers in Mozambique. Your work is not in vain colleague. We will remember you. #SupportAfricasRangers ...

THIS is why the fight must continue! Ngwenya lost his life for the wildlife of Coutada 9. He will be remembered for his big smile and big character as we watch the game drink from the dams he built. Our thoughts are with his family and all at Mokore. Hamba gahle Ngwenya 🐊
Ngwenya 🐊 - R.I.P Big man with the big heart and big smile. Don't quite know how we begin to fathom moving on without you at the fore. The Mokore Family are still in complete shock and devastation at the loss of this amazing gentleman whose life was taken early Saturday the 10th of Feb 2018 while bravely apprehending elephant poachers in Manica Province, Mozambique. Deepest sympathy and condolences to your family and loved ones. #legend

Condolences to the family, friends and Big Life Foundation colleagues of Ranger Kior Kulwa, who was recently killed by an elephant. The dangers facing Africa's rangers are immense and they deserve our continued support. #SupportAfricasRangers #RIP ...

IN FOND MEMORY OF KIOR, UNSUNG CONSERVATION HERO
We have some tragic news to share. Simultaneously a life to celebrate.
Rangers put their lives on the line every day that they step into the field, and we have always dreaded the moment when things might go terribly wrong. Sadly, that day came recently when one of Big Life’s long-serving rangers, Kior Kulwa, was killed by an elephant while returning to work from home.
It was a completely chance accident, in a remote area, and the fact that it happened to a man as experienced in the bush as Kior suggests that it was probably unavoidable. It feels especially tragic that he was killed by one of the animals he had worked so hard to protect.
Kior was previously a poacher, and after being arrested a number of times in the 1990s decided to take a different path by joining Big Life and rising to the rank of corporal in Big Life’s rhino protection platoon. He was well known for his enthusiasm and hard work, and had earned the respect of his peers by twice winning the monthly award for best performing ranger. Always cheerful and ready with a joke even in the most stressful circumstances, Kior was a backbone of Big Life’s wildlife protection program.
Kior leaves behind a wife and two children, one of whom has been hired as a ranger to continue in the footsteps of his father. Kior is one of the many unsung heroes of wildlife conservation and joins the growing number who have paid the ultimate price for the work that they do. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered. Thank you Kior.

All the best to GRAA Professional Member, James Logan Slade in his new role as GWC's Wildlife Crime Prevention Officer. Having spent many years working on the ground as a ranger in Africa, he is certainly well equipped for this role and making a positive difference for protected areas and the welfare of rangers:

The illegal wildlife trade is the world’s fourth largest black market, and at GWC, we’re focused on working with local communities to prevent wildlife crime before it takes place. This month we welcomed Wildlife Crime Prevention Officer James Slade to the GWC team. James is a long-time conservat...

The Safe Ranger Project, a joint initiative between GRAA and MedWise Safety Services, ensures rangers receive the necessary basic first aid training and equipment. Reality based training drills ensure these skills are practised in real life situations so they are mastered. You can contribute to this project and #SupportAfricasRangers via GivenGain at www.givengain.com/cc/saferangerproject/ #UniteBehindAfricasRangers #ProudToBeARanger 📷: Safe Ranger Project ...

Field rangers drill at the Southern African Wildlife College. Drill helps to ensure discipline is maintained within the ranger corps which is key component to any effective ranger team. #SupportAfricasRangers #UniteBehindAfricasRangers #ProudToBeARamger ...

The GRAA pays tribute to one of our founding members, Jose Tello who passed away last month. Jose will be remembered for his incredible commitment to African conservation and particularly for his work in Mozambique and the Central African Republic.

He is pictured here with Paul Dutton (left) and Ken Tinley (right) in Gorongoza National Park in 1968.

Taking things to sea level! Excellent first-of-its-kind training by the Southern African Wildlife College, exposing field rangers to the tactical application of boats and how to counter sea-borne poachers.